Section 201.5.15. Other groups of records available for public inspection — policies and procedures (excluding security) meeting minutes.

This rule describes groups of records maintained by the department other than record systems as previously defined. These records are routinely available to the public. However, the department’s files of these records may contain confidential information, as discussed in rule 5.13(17A,22). The following records are stored both as hard copy and in automated data processing systems unless otherwise noted.

        1.            Rule making. Rule-making records may contain information about individuals making written or oral comments on proposed rules. This information is collected pursuant to Iowa Code section 17A.4.

        2.            Board meeting records. Agendas, minutes, and materials presented to the department are available from the office of the director except those records concerning closed sessions which are exempt from disclosure under Iowa Code section 21.5(4), or which are otherwise confidential by law. Board meeting records contain information about people who participate in meetings. This information is collected pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.3. This information is not retrieved by individual identifier.

        3.            Publications. News releases, annual reports, project reports, department newsletters, etc., are available from the office of the director. Brochures describing various department programs are available at local offices of the department. Department news releases, project reports, and newsletters may contain information about individuals, including department staff or members of department councils or committees. This information is not retrieved by individual identifier.

        4.            Statistical reports. Periodic reports of the department for various department programs are available from the director. Statistical reports do not contain personally identifiable information.

        5.            Grants. Records on persons receiving grants for various projects or programs are available through the office of the director. These records may contain information about employees of a grantee. This information is not retrieved by individual identifier and is not stored on an automated data processing system. The information is collected under the authority of Iowa Code section 904.

        6.            Published materials. The department uses many legal and technical publications in its work. The public may inspect these publications upon request. Some of these materials may be protected by copyright law. These records are hard copy only.

        7.            Policy manuals. The department employees’ manual, containing the policies and procedures describing the department’s regulations and practices, is available in every office of the department. Subscriptions to all or part of the employees’ manual are available at the cost of production and handling. Requests for subscription information should be addressed to the director. Policy manuals do not contain information about individuals.

        8.            Other records. All other records that are not exempted from disclosure by law.